St. John's Church
petri fiskafange , witz

Second Saturday
Contemplative Services
Return this Saturday

St. John's will offer Saturday evening services the second Saturday of each month at 5:30 p.m. 

Each service will include Holy Eucharist, contemplative music, a quiet, candlelit atmosphere, and the rite of healing. We hope that you will find this to be a relaxing supplement to your Sunday morning worship. Please consider inviting friends who prefer a more contemplative form of worship in the early evening. 

Also, please consider serving at this service when you sign up for your service slots each month.

  Beginning this Saturday, February 9
5:30 p.m.
 This Sunday, February 10, 2019
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
                                
                                              8:15 a.m.             Holy Eucharist (no music)
                                              9:15 a.m.             Adult Formation, Parish Hall
                                              10:30 a.m.          Holy Eucharist
                                                                             Children’s Chapel, Keeper’s Cottage
                                               11:45 a.m.         Chili Cook-off, Parish Hall

Nursery is available in the Parish Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.



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From Amelie with Love

Dear Friends:
 
During our Centering Prayer on Wednesday evenings, we begin our 20 minute period of silence with a brief passage from scripture, or a poem, a prayer, or sacred prose. The Reverend Janet Legro has a gift for finding a verse or phrase from these texts that meets us right where we are, and this often offers us a sense of release, of letting go, and an openness to resting in God. 
 
This week, Janet read verse 15:10 of Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, which we will be hearing in church Sunday:   By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain.
 
 “What is it about these words that gives me such a sense of relief?” I thought to myself. “Is it that I am not the only one in charge of the ‘me’ I carry around every day?” (The good parts and the not so good?) And then, what about all this grace I have been given to be the person I am …can I just trust that it hasn’t been useless, wasted, or ignored…“in vain”?  How about you?
 
By the grace of God I am what I am.  What gifts or graces have brought you and me to this day? Made us who we are? Was it a wise or loving parent? A teacher who saw the best in us? Maybe it was a passion or a talent that beckoned to us and taught us not only what it means to find joy in the creative process but also the hard lessons of self-discipline, endurance, and resiliency. Perhaps it was a failure, or a bump in the road or a difficult relationship, something that made us realize that we can live through almost anything, and not only that, come out a wiser, stronger, and more faithful person in the end.
 
But to what end? And this is where the second part of the verse from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians enters the picture, at least for me.
 
And his grace toward me has not been in vain.  How is it that the grace I have been given has “not been in vain?” Perhaps this means that what I have been given has not been without purpose, without cause, without bearing some kind of fruit – not only in my small story but in the big story. Maybe it means that our God-given graces overflow in ways we could never have imagined and rarely perceive – not only into the lives that are closely linked with ours but in the lives of people we only have encountered once or twice. Can we even fathom how many kind words, helping hands, listening ears, open hearts, or understanding glances have made a real difference in someone’s life?
 
By the grace of God we are who we are, and God’s grace toward us has not been in vain. 
 
 Let it be so,
 
 Amelie+


Click here to read the 2018 St. John's Church report. You may pick up a hard copy of it in the back of the church or in the Parish Hall. If you have any questions about the report, please contact our Rector, Amelie Wilmer , or Senior Warden, Horace Dowdy.
Adult Forum’s
Seeing God in a New Light
Continues Sunday with
“Finding the Divine in Zen”

Dr. Cliff Edwards, Professor of Religious Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, leads a session on the basics of Zen -- on Zen's locating the Sacred in everyday acts and silences, and on Zen's strategy of affirming and negating God. At VCU, Dr. Edwards teaches courses on Zen Buddhism, and he has published two books on Japanese haiku. During his youth he practiced at Daitokuji Zen Monastery in Kyoto, Japan.

Next week, The Rev. Dr. John Kerr will be offering a presentation on “Science Illuminating Faith”.

Sunday, February 10
9:15 a.m.
The Parish Hall
Nursery is available.
Who Will Win this Sunday's
Chili Cook-off?

Will Andy Pillsbury remain the King of St. John’s Chili, or is a new ruler of cumin and beans waiting in the wings? Could the new champion be you? Bring your own secret concoction to vie for this prestigious title, or just show up to test and weigh-in on the decision. 
Sunday, February 10
11:45 a.m.
Parish Hall
Wednesday Evenings in Epiphany:
The Only Necessary Thing

On Wednesday evenings during Epiphany, which extends through February 27, we are discussing The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life by Henri Nouwen . This collection of excerpts from Nouwen’s writing includes some of his best reflections on topics such as: prayer, solitude, listening, community, action, and forgiveness. 

These short essays are easily read aloud and do not require advance preparation, so join in as you wish throughout the season.  This week we will conclude our discussion of Chapter 2, “Prayer,” and move into Chapter 3, “Solitude.”

The book can be purchased online, and copies of the upcoming chapters are available in the Parish Hall on Sundays.

You are welcome to attend any one or all these offerings, and our evening will end promptly at 8:15 p.m.

Wednesdays, February 13-27
6:00 p.m. Centering Prayer
6:30 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Study and Discussion
The Parish Hall

Centering Prayer
Wednesdays in the Parish Hall, 6:00 p.m.

Each week we offer Centering Prayer in the Parish Hall nursery on Wednesday evenings. Please consider this gentle practice as a way to create space in your busy lives and receive the light of Christ in the season of Epiphany. 
You Are Invited to Shabbat

Following the Adult Forum presentation made by Cantor Dara Rosenblatt from Temple Beth El last week, a suggestion was made about joining our Jewish brothers and sisters in worship. In response, members of St. John's are invited to a Shabbat service at Temple Beth El.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP by Wednesday, February 27, to David Curtis so we can provide an estimated attendance number to Beth El.

Friday, March 1
5:45 p.m.
Pancakes
Start Building Your Appetite for Pancakes

Our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is quickly approaching.

This meal is free (we gratefully accept donations) and open to the public, so bring your friends and family. To volunteer to help prepare, serve, and clean up, please contact Sue Schutt .

Tuesday, March 5
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
The Parish Hall
If Shrove Tuesday Comes,
Ash Wednesday
Will Always Follow
Wednesday, March 6

Ash Wednesday Liturgy and Eucharist
12 noon & 7:00 p.m.

  “Ashes to Go”
in front of the church
1:00-2:00 p.m.  

Please contact August Butler, or indicate your willingness to serve on the monthly server sign-up, if you want to serve at either of the services.  
Stewardship Update

We are grateful for the 74 pledges totaling $162,675 that we have received so far, bringing us to 87.3% of our goal of $186,325. 

We look forward to receiving the additional $23,650 in pledges that we need to fund our ministries during 2019. 

As you discern your pledge for 2019, consider the details of St. John’s ministries and budget provided in the pledge packet you received in the mail ( also available online ), and the role you feel called to serve with your time, your talent, and your treasure.

Please submit your pledge card via the offering plate or online . Additional cards are available in the back of the church.
Spotlight on Outreach

St. John's is committed to living our Baptismal Covenant
to seek and serve Christ in all persons,
loving our neighbor as ourselves
and respecting the dignity of every human being.
 

Ongoing Opportunities

Join the $5 Club : Pledge to spend at least $5 a month on non-perishable foods to feed others. Bring your donations on the first Sunday of each month, or deposit them in the basket at the rear of the church at any time.
 
First Fruits Sundays : First Sunday of every month. Bring non-perishable food items to church for donation to the Christ Ascension Food Pantry.  Last week during our Super Bowl challenge you donated 388 pounds of food, bringing us to a total 653 pounds, or almost 22% of our annual goal of 3,000 pounds, and exacting justice for the Saints, who won the challenge. Christ Ascension Food Pantry currently needs canned fruit and rice. They always need cereal, canned pasta, tuna, and peanut butter. Next First Fruits Sunday—Sunday, March 3

Laundry Love : This ministry takes place the third Saturday of every month from 11:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m., at Richmond Coin Laundry, 25 th & Nine Mile, and defrays our neighbors’ cost of doing laundry so that they can direct their income to other necessities. We would love your help dispensing coins and laundry supplies, helping to run the machines, entertaining children, and being a friendly presence.    Please contact David Curtis for more information. Next Laundry Love Day—February 16

Laundry Love Activity Table : The Outreach Team needs new or gently used donations for the kids' activity table at Laundry Love, a place for safe play and learning while parents are busy with clothes. Possible donations include:
  • addition/subtraction flashcards
  • Play-doh
  • simple puzzles
  • picture books, coloring books
  • markers, crayons
  • small Lego sets
  • simple craft supplies (pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, glue, etc.). 

A box for your donations is in the Parish Hall. This is an ongoing collection. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Broda.
We Need Creative People
for Special Events

As our church and our neighborhood continue to grow, we are seeking new opportunities to engage our community in events that will inspire, educate, and build fellowship while raising awareness for our ministries and hopefully some funds to support them, as well. 

Plans are already underway to participate more fully in the Irish Festival in March. If you are interested in helping out, please contact our Senior Warden, Horace Dowdy .
Altar Flower Remembrances

We encourage everyone to remember or honor loved ones and special anniversaries and events by sponsoring the flowers at the altar for a specific Sunday. 

The cost is $35. You may pay via cash or check in the offering plate or in the church office, or through Paypal.  Sign up for the Sunday when you want to sponsor flowers on the sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall foyer, and notify Patty Duffy in the parish office .  
Diocesan Listening Sessions
Invite Us to Recall and Reconnect

The Rt. Rev. Susan E. Goff will host five Community Listening Sessions around the Diocese during Epiphany. Each session will include a time for you and your bishops to share your dreams for our diocese. Learn more here. Please plan to attend a session:

Next Vestry Meeting,
Tuesday, February 12,
at 5:30 p.m.
in the Parish Hall

All members of St. John’s Church are welcome to attend vestry meetings as observers. Minutes of recent meetings are posted on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall foyer. Please share your ideas or questions about the life of our parish with a vestry member.

We also invite your prayers for our vestry members while they meet for their annual planning retreat at Richmond Hill this coming Friday and Saturday.
Prayer Group & Sunday Prayers
 
Bring your prayers to the Wednesday morning prayer group. Pray with us silently or aloud as the Spirit leads you, and let us surround you with love and prayers. Find sacred silence and hear the still, small voice of God. Simply stop by the Keeper's Cottage any Wednesday at 10:00.

Prayer ministers also offer individual prayers Sundays during communion at the 10:30 a.m. service.

Wednesdays
10:00 a.m.
Keeper's Cottage (to the left of the church)
To learn more,   contact Carolyn Dallas
In the event of Inclement Weather

So that all our members will know what to expect during inclement weather, here are ways we will notify you of changes in the parish calendar:

  • We will send an email to you by the Saturday afternoon preceding Sunday services. For other changes, we will attempt to notify you at least 3-4 hours ahead of time.
  • We will post a message on our website’s home page
  • We will leave a message on the office voice mail: 804-649-7938.
  • We will announce our change in plans on the NBC closings scroll.

If you want to arrange for another way for us to notify you, please contact Patty Duffy at the church office, 804-649-7938.

Please note that, regardless of whether or not we decide to proceed with plans during severe weather, your safety is important, and we understand if you decide to stay home.

St. John's Church
2401 East Broad Street







Office: 2319 E. Broad Street RVA 23223
804-649-7938

The deadline for submitting copy for the weekly bulletin insert and parish-wide email is Wednesday morning , but earlier is always appreciated. Please send your content to  Patty Duffy . Please note that content may be edited to accommodate space limitations and style guidelines.